If you’re an RN with two years under your belt, you can consider becoming a certified emergency nurse.
Quick thinkers with a knack for working under pressure may be interested in becoming a certified emergency nurse (CEN).
Demanding, but rewarding, this career specializes in caring for patients in the most fragile stages of injury or illness.
A CEN gives the first treatment and care of patients when they arrive at the hospital. While many set out to be a nurse, a select few go on to tackle this integral field of nursing.
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Becoming a certified emergency nurse starts with a solid education. Those interested in the career can begin their path by earning an associate degree in nursing or a Bachelor of Science in nursing.
Additional coursework in emergency nursing can be found at certain schools and should be taken advantage of by those interested in the career.
The high-pressure career of emergency nursing is held by registered nurses. After graduating at an accredited nursing school, perspective certified emergency nurses need to take and pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses. This test is required for registered nurses to be able to work in the United States, though some states may require additional tests and licensing.
After completing their education, testing and licenses, aspiring certified emergency nurses should begin gaining significant experience in the field of nursing. Dealing with such critical care requires these nurses to be knowledgeable in various areas of nursing care from cardiovascular health to neurology.
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Registered nurses can undergo training in trauma care situations as well, making them excellent candidates for becoming emergency nurses. This knowledge can be indispensable later on when they need to pass additional certification tests.
With experience under their belt, individuals looking to become certified emergency nurses should begin to look for courses in their areas. Such a course gives candidates the upper hand before embarking on the next licensing exam, the final step in receiving their certification.
Once nurses feel secure in their experience and knowledge, they can take the CEN exam, because the Board of Certification for Emergency Nursing suggests registered nurses have at least two years of experience before taking the exam. Gaining this nursing certification demonstrates your knowledge and ability to carry out care in emergency nursing situations.
While the requirements for emergency nursing may seem daunting, the payoff for some candidates is well worth it. Saving lives and setting the tone for a patient's stay truly makes the career invaluable to the compassionate.
A certified emergency nurse makes all the difference to those critically ill or wounded. It is most important for these nurses to also have traits that cannot be learned in school, such as mercy, discipline and critical thinking skills. With the proper education, certifications and personality, an aspiring certified emergency nurse can excel in the career.
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